Pages

Where to Eat in Rome When You're All Italian-ed Out

I’ll be the first person to tell you that Italian food is the
best and most delicious cuisine of them all. There’s nothing I like more
than a plate of bucatini all’amatriciana with pecorino cheese, or a
Margherita pizza, or a cannolo for dessert. That being said, there are
times when I miss the variety of cuisine that you find in restaurants abroad,
and the surprise that comes with opening a menu and not knowing exactly what
you’re going to find. In contrast, Roman restaurants (and Italian restaurants
in general) usually do not stray from the dishes that characterize their
regional cuisine. For example, there is almost no need to open a menu when
dining in a typical Roman restaurant, as you know they will offer the usual
Roman fare (spaghetti alla carbonara, cacio e pepe, etc). If you find
that you need a break from Italian cuisine during your time in Rome, I have you
covered – there are a variety of ethnic restaurants in the Eternal City to
remedy your Italian food overdose.

Akropolis (Greek)

Located in the picturesque neighborhood of Trastevere, Akropolis
offers savory and satisfying dishes like chicken souvlaki, gyros, and
slow-cooked lamb with prunes, honey, and almonds. All dishes are served with
warm pita bread. For dessert? Baklava, of course.

Mesob
(Ethiopian)

The
dishes served at Mesob are intensely flavorful and spicy, and the meatless
dishes (braised lentils and vegetables) are just as good as the meat-based
dishes, making this restaurant a perfect choice for vegetarians and carnivores
alike. All dishes are meant to be shared, and eating with your hands is
encouraged – njera, a typical Ethiopian bread, accompanies the
meal.

Address: Via Prenestina 118

Phone number: +39 3382511621

Website: www.mesob.it

Hours: Daily 7 pm – 12 midnight

Homebaked: Grandma’s Kitchen (American breakfast)

Need a
break from the usual coffee and cornetto? Look no further than
Homebaked, which offers American breakfasts like pancakes and bacon. Homebaked
also specializes in American desserts like brownies, cupcakes, and apple pie.

La Cucaracha (Mexican)

Conveniently located right near the Cipro subway stop and a
short walk from the Vatican, La Cucaracha serves up delicious Mexican dishes
like cochinita pibil (roast pork,) tacos, and enchiladas (the enchiladas
verdes are my favorite). The restaurant is decorated with bright colors and
Frida Kahlo-esque artwork. If you eat here on a Tuesday, there is live Mexican
music while you enjoy your meal. Reservations recommended.

Nanù – Bagel Bar di Roma (Bagels)

I had tried quite a few places in Rome that claimed to
have good bagels, but had always ended up disappointed – one was too soft to be
an actual bagel, another was served with powdered sugar and fruit as it if were
a dessert (!), and still another was completely bland. I am now happy to
say that I have found a place that serves bagels that live up to my American
standards, and not far from the Vatican at that. Nanù Bagel Bar serves up
regular bagels in classic flavors like poppy seed and sesame, as well as a few
more creative ones like squid ink and paprika, plus bagel sandwiches, organic
fresh juices, salads, and wraps.

Sitar (Indian)

I’ve tried lots of different Indian restaurants in Rome, and my
hands-down favorite is Sitar. Located in the artsy neighborhood of Monti, Sitar
serves up Indian classics like samosas, chicken tikka masala, and
palak paneer, as well as my personal favorite, chicken korma –
not to mention all different types of naan bread (the highlight of any Indian
meal). Added bonus: the wait staff here is extremely friendly and
accommodating.

Address: Via Cavour, 256/APhone number: +39 0689026710

Website: www.sitar-roma.org

Hours: Daily 12 noon – 3 pm, 7 pm – 12 midnight

Sora Lia (Burgers)

My search for a good burger in Rome was similar to my search for
a good bagel – none were quite up to par. The search ended with Sora Lia, which
serves flavorful, juicy burgers on homemade buns with your choice of toppings
and a side of house-made potato chips. Bonus: these burgers are reasonably
priced compared to others I’ve had, which can easily be as expensive as €12-14.

Temakinho (Brazilian/Japanese)

Also found in the Monti neighborhood, Temakinho serves up
Brazilian-Japanese fusion food, more specifically sushi with Brazilian flavors:
tuna, salmon, and sea bass rolls are paired with ingredients like mango,
coriander, lime, and other tropical ingredients. Temakinho also serves a
variety of Brazilian beers. Reservations recommended.

Thai Inn (Thai)

Specializing in Thai and Malaysian dishes, the pad thai,
dumplings, and spring rolls served at Thai Inn are the perfect antidote to your
pizza and pasta hangover, and delicious at that. Added bonus: diners are
brought sliced carrots and cucumbers with a peanut dipping sauce to munch on
while they decide what to order.

Post originally written for www.eatingitalyfoodtours.com/blog -- if you're going to be in Rome soon and are a foodie, definitely think about doing one of their food tours in the Testaccio or Trastevere neighborhoods!